Detailing 3D Models

The program generates the usual 2D views of the components for the workshop plans using the model, which means that the program will disassemble the model into its components, analyze the geometry of all the individual parts, and ascertains any existing but invisible edges. Then – depending on the requirements or your selections – the shape is displayed in several views and dimensioned and the position flag is attached.

All of this takes place in a split second and in the background. Once the program has finished with one component, this component is deposited in a library in the form of a cell – clearly organized according to the individual construction groups and design sections.

After this procedure has concluded you can use the program to help you with the layout of the parts on your drawing sheets. From here on, you can treat the parts as if they were the usual drawings generated with a CAD program—but ProSteel offers you a few extra functions, which facilitate your work.

Intervention Options

You do not have to worry that you are going to be at the mercy of the program and that from now on all your drawings will reflect the wishes of the software designers.

A vast number of parameters help you to specify the appearance of your mapped design. These parameters can be saved as data records and re-imported depending on the type of drawing (overview, life-size, 1: 10 workshop details, etc).

This saves you time by being able to detail several parts at once applying one of these styles—that might already be enough to satisfy the requirements of your assignment. However, you can also detail small groups of components—one after the other—or even a single part in different styles. You always have access to the smallest detail.

Basic Detailing Principle

In general, the program distinguishes between two basic detailing methods: automatic and manual detailing.

Automatic detailing takes place within the open model, and you tell the program to detail a certain part using a certain style. You have previously defined or selected this suitable style. The rest is out of your hands (for now). The result is a cell with the views as interpreted by the program according to your specifications.

Manual detailing requires that you determine the respective model section yourself. You are working within a work frame and may use the auxiliary functions of the program to attach and assign dimension chains, position flags, height indicators, etc. You can also use such standard AutoCAD^® elements as lines, texts, etc. The program only displays the invisible edges correctly and saves the details as a cell, nothing more. This does indeed offer you the greatest level of influence on the appearance of the details but you have to carry out each step manually.

The following chapters discuss the ProSteel DetailCenter and all of the tasks described shortly in the text.